Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Fides Service) – Early next year a film on the life and work of Italian Jesuit Giuseppe Castiglione (1688– 1766), well known in China as an artist and architect, will be shown on national television. The film is produced by Hunan TV & Broadcast Intermediary Co. Ltd. The part of Lang Shi Ning, as Castiglione was called by the local people at the time, will be played by Canadian born Mark Rowswell who has lived in China for years and whose wife is Chinese.
Local Catholics welcomed the news. A priest in Beijing who has worked to evangelise youth through art for some years now, told Fides Service: “Castiglione is well known in China like other missionaries Matteo Ricci (Li Ma Dou 1552-1610), Michele Ruggieri (Luo Ming Jian1543-1607), Johan Adam Schall von Bell (Tan Ruo Wang 1591-1666), Ferdinando Verbiest (Nna Huai Ren 1623-1688), who evangelised China through science, art and culture. These foreigners loved and respected China and the Chinese people and devoted themselves to mission without reserve. Even today, learning about these missionary artists many reach the faith”.
One of Castiglione’s most famous paintings depicting the Sacred Heart, is preserved in the church of St Joseph, in Wang Fu Jing the capital’s business district. “I am sure the film will bring more people to visit the church – the priest tells Fides. Some scenes were shot actually in this church and on other Catholic premises: the film could provide a golden opportunity for spreading Jesus’ message of love. As a priest I hope the producers and actors will respect history and the religious aspect, because some times to attract more audience films tend to embroider on historic facts. Having worked for years to evangelise through art I intend to take this opportunity to make more Catholic artists known among the young people of China”. (NZ) (Fides Service 7/11/2003 Lines: 32 Words: 345)
